skyscrapers on the waterfront
Montréal, Canada. Photo ©

Marc-Olivier Jodoin, used under licence and adapted from the original.

How does the programme operate in Canada? 

The Language Assistants Programme is a bi-lateral mobility programme. We work with our partner organisation, Éducation Internationale, to send English Language Assistants to primary and secondary schools and adult education centres in Quebec, Canada.  

You can find a timeline of what to expect if you apply for Canada in the lifecycle document at the bottom of this page.

Am I eligible for a placement in Canada?

To be a Language Assistant in Canada, you must:

  • fulfil the general eligibility criteria
  • hold a UK or Irish passport
  • have A2-level French
  • be aged 60 or under on 1 September 2026.

Do I need to do a video interview?  

If you are successful in your written application for Canada, you will be required to complete a video interview. You will receive a link via email to complete your video interview.   

Applicants not invited to complete a video interview may be offered a transfer to another destination as long as their application is of a high enough standard and meets the relevant requirements.  

When will I start my placement?

Posts in Canada run from 1 September 2026 to 31 May 2027. Some schools may choose to extend this if possible.

Will there be an induction course?

You will be invited to attend an in-person pre-departure session in London in summer 2026. This is an opportunity to meet other assistants, get advice on personal safety and other topics, and ask former assistants about life in Quebec. 

You will also be expected to attend an introductory meeting in person once in Quebec.

More information will be provided by the British Council and Educational Internationale regarding briefings and inductions for successful candidates in spring 2026. 

How many hours will I work per week?

Language Assistants in Canada can expect to work approximately 24 hours per week, including 6 hours of preparation.

Please be aware that the number of hours and your specific timetable and working pattern can vary depending on the region and institution that you are allocated to.

What holidays will I have?

In Canada the academic calendar runs from August to May. Typically, assistants can expect to receive the same school and national holidays as their institution.  

What type of institution will I be working in?

The majority of posts are in primary and secondary schools. There are also a small number of posts available in adult education centres.

How many posts are available in Canada?

Every year there are approximately 20 posts available in French-speaking Canada. Candidates will be placed on a waiting list if they are not immediately successful in gaining a post. Any candidates on the waiting list who are not eventually offered a post Canada will be offered a transfer to another destination, if eligible.

Where can I go in Canada?

The posts in French-speaking Canada are mostly in small cities or towns (population 30,000 to 40,000) / rural areas with only a few posts in larger cities (population 100,000+). In your application, you can select one regional preference from Group A, one from Group B and one from Group A, B and C (see table at the bottom of this page). Please note that these areas are not bilingual: the only language spoken is French.

Lanaudière 

Outaouais 

No preference  

Chaudière-Appalaches 

Bas-Saint-Laurent 

No preference  

Montreal 

Capitale Nationale 

No preference 

How much will I be paid?

You can expect to earn approximately CAD $2,600 gross per month.The amount that will be deducted from your salary for taxes will vary from approximately 10 to 30% depending on other sources of income during the same financial year.  This salary marks a recent, significant increase for Language Assistants.

Please note that our overseas partners and employing institutions are ultimately responsible for setting the salary of language assistants and this amount should therefore be treated as indicative and may be subject to change.

What are the costs involved?    

Applicants should also be aware that there are significant costs associated with the visa process and moving to Canada. However, these costs should not come all at once as they will occur at different stages of the process, from visa application to arrival in Canada.  Costs are likely to include:    

Pre-departure:   

  • International Child Protection Certificate (£99)   
  • Work permit application (approx. £350 for medical, $155 CAD for work permit and $85 CAD for biometric fees)   
  • Travel costs to and from visa centre   
  • Travel costs to placement location    

In post (before receiving first payment)  

  • Accommodation costs including initial temporary accommodation and deposit for permanent accommodation in Canada 
  • Costs for initial few months £1500-2500. You may not receive your first payment until late October, so you will need sufficient funds for this time. Previous assistants have recommended budgeting for at least two months without pay 

We encourage you to read more about the monthly allowance and how much money we recommend budgeting for Canada in section 8 of the destination guide (available at the bottom of this page).   

Will I need a visa? 

Yes, assistants going to Canada will have to apply for a work permit before travelling to Canada. Part of this work permit process includes a medical exam and biometrics appointment - assistants will need to cover the cost of both. Assistants will then be issued with their visa upon arrival to Canada. We will give guidance on this if you are selected for a post in Canada. 

I've worked as a Language Assistant in Canada before – can I apply again?

Assistants currently working in Canada can apply for a consecutive year. This is not done through the British Council: contact Éducation Internationale for more information. You must make this decision around February time. You can ask to remain at the same school or change school, and applications must include a letter of recommendation from your current school. 

If you have previously been an Assistant in Canada but are not currently and would like to apply to the programme again, please follow the guidance for returning applicants.

Where can I get information about my placement from?

The guide for Language Assistants in Quebec 2025-26 is available below. This information has been provided for reference and is subject to change each year. Updated guidance for Assistants going out on placement in 2026-27 will be available in summer 2026. 
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